Image output device with an injector

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a semiconductor device of low power consumption and low cost. A semiconductor device  50  is basically constituted of a semiconductor substrate  1  and an external signal processing substrate  8 . The semiconductor substrate  1  is provided with a memory unit  3 , a data driver  4 , an element array  2 , a scanning circuit  35  and a clock generator  36 . When successively outputting an identical data signal to the element array  2  over a plurality of times, the data signal retained in the memory unit  3  is utilized.

This application is a division of co-pending application Ser. No.10/619,594, filed on Jul. 16, 2003, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technique for reading out a datasignal from a memory unit and driving a functional device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Reference is made to a printer, as a popular example of reading out adata signal temporarily stored in a memory unit and driving a functionaldevice. FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a constitution of a popularprinter provided with a semiconductor device for temporarily storing andreading out an electric signal.

FIG. 26 specifically shows a functional block diagram of a conventionalinkjet printer for recording a letter or an image by firing a minutedroplet of ink such that the ink droplet flies and sticks onto arecording medium such as a paper sheet.

The inkjet printer is provided with a main body including a substrate105 and a printhead 100 installed therein. The printhead 100 is providedwith a driving circuit 101, an ink tank 102 and an injector 103. Thesubstrate 105 comprises a memory unit 106 and a data signal providingunit 104.

Ink liquid is supplied from the ink tank 102 to the injector 103 througha prescribed flow path. A driving signal for activating the injector 103is generated at the driving circuit 101 when a data signal output fromthe data signal providing unit 104 is input to the driving circuit 101,and input to the injector 103. Upon receipt of the driving signal theinjector 103 fires an ink droplet. A conventional inkjet printer isprovided with a plurality of nozzles for firing the ink droplets, butprinting quality may sometimes deteriorate because of uneven performanceof the nozzles resulting from a manufacturing fault etc. For preventingthis problem a conventional inkjet printer is designed to perform afiring operation so called a “multi-pass mode”.

The multi-pass printing operation shall be described referring to FIGS.27 and 28. FIGS. 27 and 28 respectively show an example of a multi-passprinting operation. Referring to FIG. 27, the printhead 100 repeatsfiring actions while moving in a rightward direction from a startposition 111. In this case, during a rightward motion and a leftwardmotion respectively, the printhead 100 fires ink droplets either to anidentical point or to a different point shifted by a predetermineddistance, over a portion indicated as a multi-pass printing region 110.When the printhead 100 reaches an end position 112 it moves downward toa transition position 113. Then the printhead 100 repeats firing actionsmoving in a leftward direction. Meanwhile referring to FIG. 28, theprinthead 100 repeats firing actions moving back and forth over themulti-pass printing region 110 until it reaches the transition position113, after which the printhead 100 repeats similar actions. In both ofthese cases, ink droplets fired from different nozzles fall on anidentical point in the multi-pass printing region 110, therefore even ifuneven injection is caused in the injector 103 the unevenness can beleveled off and corrected by overlapping the ink droplets or placing theink droplets with a certain shift.

For performing such multi-pass operation, the memory unit 106 of aconventional inkjet printer shown in FIG. 26 stores at least a datasignal necessary for printing on the multi-pass region 110. Generally,data in the memory unit 106 is read out by inputting an address signalto the memory unit 106 from a host device (not shown). Here, the addresssignal stands for a signal that serves for designating a memory cellstored in the memory unit 106 in a form of a matrix array, which signalmay designate either a single memory cell or a plurality of memorycells, and further be a combination of an address signal of a leadingmemory cell and a signal indicating a number of the memory cells,therefore address signals in accordance with a system constituting thememory unit 106 shall be herein referred to as an address signal as awhole. The data signal read out from the memory unit 106 is transmittedto the driving circuit 101 on the printhead 100 through the data signalproviding unit 104, and transmitted from the driving circuit to theinjector 103, so that the injector 103 performs a firing action inresponse to an instruction of the driving circuit 101. This operation isrepeated until firing actions for the entire multi-pass region arecompleted.

These days there is a growing demand in the field of inkjet printer fora higher speed printing performance and higher print quality. In orderto fulfill such requirements, remedies such as increasing a number ofnozzles or operating frequency of a printhead must be taken. Since suchmeasures naturally lead to an increase of data signals for printing,performance level of circuits on the substrate 105 in the printer mainbody or the driving circuit 101 of the printhead 100 etc. in FIG. 26 hasto be upgraded. Also, with an increase of a number of nozzles somemeasures must be taken for preventing variation of ink droplet volume tobe fired from each of the nozzles. For these reasons the correction isexecuted by the multi-pass printing, to achieve a high quality print byan inkjet printer. However, in case where the multi-pass printing is tobe performed on a conventional printer as shown in FIG. 26, identicaldata signals have to be transmitted over a plurality of times from thememory unit 106 through the data signal providing unit to the drivingcircuit 101, which inevitably results in an increase of powerconsumption and a higher cost of the printer, in exchange with a quickeroperation and higher quality of its printing job.

The foregoing problem is not limited to an inkjet printer, but is commonto other semiconductor devices in which a data signal read out from amemory unit, or another signal generated based on such data signal is todrive an active element, and besides the same data signal is repeatedlyrequired for each driving cycle. In such a case accordingly, a similarproblem to the case of the inkjet printer arises as a result of aquicker action or higher performance level of a semiconductor device.Specifically, an increase of operation frequency leads to increasedpower consumption, or achieving a higher performance of the data signalproviding unit 104 results in a cost increase.

The invention has been made in view of the foregoing situation, with anobject to restrain an increase of power consumption of a semiconductordevice. It is another object of the invention to restrain a costincrease due to upgrading a performance level of a semiconductor device.Also, it is another object of the invention to restrain a powerconsumption increase arising from upgrading a performance level of aprinter. It is still another object of the invention to restrain a costincrease due to upgrading a performance level of an image output device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention provides a semiconductor device,comprising a memory unit having a plurality of addresses for temporarilystoring a data signal; a data signal providing unit for providing thedata signal to the memory unit; a driving unit for generating a controlsignal for controlling a functional element based on the data signalread out from the memory unit and providing the control signal to thefunctional element; and a data-update control unit for successivelyproviding an identical data signal over a plurality of times from anidentical address in the memory unit.

The data-update control unit may cause the data signal providing unit tosuspend the operation of providing a data signal or shut off a datasignal transmission route from the data signal providing unit to thememory unit, in order to keep the data signal stored in the memory unitfrom being updated when successively providing the identical data signalto the functional element.

Here, “suspend data signal providing operation” may include a case ofrestricting the data signal providing unit from outputting a data signalto the memory unit, and of restricting the generation of the data signalto be provided in a region of the memory unit where the data signal isnot updated. Also, “shut off a transmission route” may be executed byproviding a switching device between the data signal providing unit andthe memory unit, and turning it off. The switching device may beprovided arbitrarily whether on the data signal providing unit side, oron the driving unit for driving the memory unit, though in general it ismore advantageous to provide on the data signal providing unit side fromthe viewpoint of reducing power consumption.

Since an identical data signal is successively provided to thefunctional element over a plurality of times by successively reading outthe data signal over a plurality of times from an identical address inthe memory unit/transmission of a data signal from a host device to thememory unit becomes unnecessary during such operation, therefore powerconsumption of the semiconductor device is expected to decrease. Also,since an identical data signal is successively utilized for thefunctional element a transmission frequency of a data signal from a hostdevice can be reduced, by which cost-down is expected. Further, a regionwhere the data signal successively read out from the memory unit is tobe stored may be an entire region of the memory unit or a portionthereof.

Here, the functional element stands for an element to be controlled witha data signal temporarily stored in the memory unit, such as an activeelement, optical element, switching element, etc. Also, a number of suchfunctional elements may be arbitrarily determined. Also, the functionalelement may constitute an element array including a plurality offunctional elements. As an example of a device in which an element arrayis incorporated, an active matrix type display unit can be cited.Further, the data signal is not limited to an electric signal, which ispopularly employed, but an electromagnetic wave such as light can alsobe employed. In other words, as long as a signal can be transmitted, thetransmission medium is not a question. In addition, as the memory unit,for example a RAM (Random Access Memory) can be employed.

Another aspect of the invention also provides a semiconductor device.This semiconductor device comprises a memory unit having a plurality ofaddresses for temporarily storing a data signal; a driving unit forselecting a control signal input from outside for controlling afunctional element based on the data signal read out from the memoryunit and providing the control signal to the functional element; and adata-update control unit for successively providing an identical signalover a plurality of times from an identical address in the memory unit.

Still another aspect of the invention also provides a semiconductordevice. This semiconductor device comprises a memory unit having aplurality of addresses for temporarily storing a data signal; a firstdriving unit for outputting to a functional element a signal forselecting, based on the data signal read out from the memory unit, acontrol signal input from outside for controlling the functionalelement; a second driving unit for providing the control signal to thefunctional element; and a data-update control unit for successivelyproviding an identical signal over a plurality of times from anidentical address in the memory unit.

In the semiconductor device in these aspects, the driving unit and thememory may constitute a combined unit. In case where the memory unit andthe driving unit are provided on a same substrate, since connectingmeans such as a cable is not required a transmission loss that may takeplace on a cable etc. can be minimized. Consequently an output level ofthe signal can be lowered, which leads to lower power consumption andlower cost. In the semiconductor device in these aspects, the drivingunit and the functional element may constitute a combined unit. In thiscase also, since the driving unit and the functional elements aremounted on the same substrate there is no need of employing connectingmeans such as a cable, which results in a minimized transmission lossthat may be incurred on a cable etc. As a result, an output level of thesignal can be lowered, which leads to lower power consumption and lowercost. In the semiconductor device of these aspects, the memory unit, thedriving unit and the functional element may constitute a combined unit.In this case also, since the memory unit, the driving unit and thefunctional elements are mounted on the same substrate, similar advantageto the foregoing passage can be attained. Further, the data-updatecontrol unit may also be installed on the same substrate.

The semiconductor device of the foregoing aspect may further comprise afirst signal transferring unit for transferring the data signal to thememory unit from a host device that provides the data signal to thesemiconductor device; a second signal transferring unit for transferringthe data signal from the memory unit to the driving unit; and the secondsignal transferring unit may be set shorter than the first transferringunit. As a result, for example in case where the semiconductor device isprovided with a first signal transferring unit for transferring anelectric signal by electrically connecting a host device and a memoryunit and a second signal transferring unit for transferring the electricsignal by electrically connecting the memory unit and driving mans,since a length of the second signal transferring unit is shorter thanthat of the first signal transferring unit, a loss that may be incurredwhile repeatedly transferring electric signals stored in the memory unitto the functional element can be restrained. Reducing a loss of theelectric signal enables restriction of an amplitude of the data signalto be output, thereby reducing power consumption.

The semiconductor device of the foregoing aspect may further comprise alevel converter for converting an amplitude of the data signal inputinto the memory unit to a desired amplitude. By such an arrangement, itbecomes possible for example to set an input signal at a low voltage andthen to output the signal at a higher voltage through a level convertersuch as an amplifier, in which case since the signal is driven by alower voltage over a longer signal path, power consumption can bereduced. Further, the level converter may also be installed on the samesubstrate.

Also, the data signal to be input to the semiconductor device may be aserial signal, in which case the semiconductor device of the foregoingaspect may further comprise a serial/parallel converter (hereinaftersimply referred to as “S/P conversion”) for converting the input serialdata signal into a parallel signal. Because of the S/P converter, forexample when a signal data can be input into a plurality of functionalelements at a time in a form a of serial signal, a number of externalconnection terminals for connection with a host device can be reduced.As a result, a yield in manufacturing process can be improved, andthereby manufacturing cost can be reduced.

The semiconductor device of the foregoing aspect may further comprise aphase expanding unit for converting an O-phase parallel signal to aP-phase parallel signal. Here, O and P are natural numbers and P isgreater than O. As a result of providing the phase expanding unit in thesemiconductor device, a signal having a phase of a less number than isrequired in the semiconductor device, for example an O-phase parallelsignal which is less than a P-phase can be input, therefore the numberof external connection terminals for connection with a host device canbe reduced.

The semiconductor device of the foregoing aspect may further compriselatching means for latching an output of the data signal from the S/Pconverter. By the latching means it becomes possible to temporarilystore the parallel signal output from the S/P converter and to output itat a desired timing.

The semiconductor device of the foregoing aspect may further compriselatching means for latching an output of the data signal from the phaseexpanding unit. By such latching means it becomes possible totemporarily store the O-phase parallel signal output from the phaseexpanding unit and to output it at a desired timing.

In the semiconductor device of the foregoing aspect, at least one ofcircuits constituting the driving unit, the first signal transferringunit, the memory unit and the second signal transferring unit may beconstituted of a thin film transistor (hereinafter simply referred to as“TFT”). In case where the circuits are constituted of TFT, for example aglass substrate having a large area can be employed, which allows alarge-scaled device formation. On the other hand, in case of employing asmall-area device, since a more number of substrates can be distributedwhen simultaneously forming substrates for a plurality of devices on thelarge-area substrate, the cost can be reduced.

In case where the driving unit, the memory unit and the functionalelement are formed in a combined unit, generally in a form of TFT on asame substrate, an output from the memory unit can be made parallel byintegrating the elements constituting the circuit. In this case thephase expanding unit is not necessary, therefore a further micronizationof the device can be achieved.

A semiconductor layer of the TFT may be constituted of polycrystallinesilicon. As a result of forming the TFT semiconductor layer withpolycrystalline silicon, it becomes possible for example to providevarious functional circuits on a large-area glass substrate.

The functional element may be an active element or an optical element,or an element that physically deforms by a control signal, or further anelement a heat generated whereby is controlled by a control signal.Furthermore, the functional element may be the injector for firing adroplet wherein a control signal may control an amount of the droplet tobe fired.

Examples of an active element may include a piezoelectric element or aceramic element, or a resistance element such as a heater. As an opticalelement, for example an EL (electro-luminescence) element or a liquidcrystal element may be employed.

Still another aspect of the invention provides an image output device.The image output device comprises a memory unit for temporarily storinga data signal to be provided to the injector for firing a droplet; adriving unit for reading out the data signal stored in the memory unit,generating a control signal by which to control the injector and drivingthe injector based on the control signal; and a data-update control unitfor shutting down an input path of the data signal to the memory unitwhen successively providing the identical control signal to theinjector, so that the memory unit does not update the signal storedtherein.

Still another aspect of the invention also provides an image outputdevice. The image output device is provided with an injector for firinga droplet for printing, and comprises a memory unit for temporarilystoring a data signal to be provided to the injector; a driving unit forreading out the data signal stored in the memory unit, generating acontrol signal by which to control the injector and driving the injectorbased on the control signal; and a data-update control unit for causinga data signal providing unit to suspend outputting the data signal tothe memory unit when successively providing the identical control signalto the injector over a plurality of times, so that the memory unit doesnot update the data signal stored therein.

Still another aspect of the invention also provides an image outputdevice. The image output device is provided with an injector for firinga droplet for printing, and comprises a memory unit for temporarilystoring a data signal for selecting a driving waveform to be provided tothe injector; and a driving unit for reading out the data signal storedin the memory unit, selecting the driving waveform input from outsidebased on the data signal and driving the injector based on the drivingwaveform.

The driving unit and the memory unit may constitute a combined unit.Also, the driving unit and the functional element may be unified, andfurther the driving unit, the injector and the memory unit may becombined to form a unit.

The memory unit may be installed on a transmission route of the datasignal from a host device that provides the data signal to the imageoutput device to the driving unit.

The image output device of the foregoing aspect may further comprise afirst signal transferring unit for transferring the data signal to thememory unit from a host device that provides the data signal to theimage output device; a second signal transferring unit for transferringthe data signal from the memory unit to the driving unit; and the secondsignal transferring unit may be set shorter than the first transferringunit.

The image output device of the foregoing aspect may further comprise alevel converter for converting an amplitude of the data signal inputinto the image output device to a desired amplitude. Generally anamplifier is employed as the level converter. Also, the level convertermay be formed on the same substrate.

Also, the data signal to be input to the image output device may be aserial signal, and the image output device of the foregoing aspect mayfurther comprise an S/P converter for converting the input serial datasignal into a parallel signal.

The image output device of the foregoing aspect may further comprise aphase expanding unit for converting an O-phase parallel signal to aP-phase parallel signal. Also, the image output device of the foregoingaspect may further comprise latching means for latching an output of thedata signal from the S/P converter. The semiconductor device of theforegoing aspect may further comprise latching means for latching anoutput of the data signal from the phase expanding unit.

At least one of circuits constituting the driving unit, the first signaltransferring unit, the memory unit and the second signal transferringunit may be constituted of a TFT. A semiconductor layer of the TFT maybe constituted of polycrystalline silicon.

According to the image output device of the foregoing aspect, since thefirst signal transferring unit and the memory unit, or the second signaltransferring unit and the memory unit are formed on a same substratethrough a same manufacturing process, cost reduction can be achievedbecause of an improved throughput.

Also, by forming a control circuit for a printhead and a part of theinjector of ink for printing on a glass substrate, the printhead can bemade in reduced dimensions. Consequently, a main body of a printingapparatus can be made more compact, and higher degree of designingfreedom can be attained.

The injector may include a piezoelectric element or a ceramic elementthat physically deforms by a control signal. Also, the injector mayinclude a resistance element a heat generated whereby is controlled by acontrol signal. A system in which a piezoelectric element is used in theinjector is generally called as piezoelectric inkjet system, while asystem in which a resistance element is used is called as thermal inkjetsystem.

As a result of the foregoing arrangement, with respect to an imageoutput device that can achieve a desired output repeatedly utilizing anidentical data signal, lower power consumption and lower cost can beachieved.

Furthermore, still another aspect of the invention provides drivingmethod of a functional element. The driving method comprises the stepsof temporarily storing in a memory unit a data signal for controlling afunctional element; reading out the data signal and transferring it tothe functional element; transferring a data signal for controlling thefunctional element from an identical address of the memory unit insteadof updating the data signal stored therein, in case where it ispredetermined that an identical data to that stored in the memory unitis to be successively used.

Still another aspect of the invention provides manufacturing method of asemiconductor device. By the manufacturing method, a TFT circuitincluding a memory unit for temporarily storing a signal for controllingan element array, the element array and a driving unit for driving theelement array is formed on a same insulating substrate through a sameprocess. Here, the insulating substrate may be a glass substrate.

Still another aspect of the invention provides manufacturing method ofan image output device, specifically manufacturing method of a printheadprovided in the image output device, comprising the steps of forming ona same insulating substrate a TFT circuit including a memory unit fortemporarily storing a control signal for an ink injector provided in theprinthead, an injector and a driving unit for driving the injector,through a same process. Here, the insulating substrate may be a glasssubstrate.

In addition, it is to be understood that an arbitrary combination of anyof the foregoing element, or variation of the expression of theinvention with respect to method, device, system or recording medium,etc. is duly effective as an aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice according the embodiments A1 and A2 of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a memory unitaccording the embodiments A1 and A2 of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a scanning circuitaccording the embodiments A1 and A2 of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an operation of a data driver accordingto the embodiments A1 and A2 of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation of the scanning circuitaccording to the embodiments A1 and A2 of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing data transference steps from datasignal providing unit to an element array according to the embodimentsA1 and A2 of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a phase expanding circuit;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the memory unit incase where a parallel signal is output from the memory unit to the datadriver;

FIG. 9 is a timing chart of an analog signal;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice according the embodiments A3 and A4 of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice according the embodiments A5 and A6 of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an element arrayand a second data driver according the embodiments A5 and A6 of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a selectoraccording the embodiments A5 and A6 of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice according the embodiment A7 of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a switchingcircuit according the embodiment A7 of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice according the embodiment A8 of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice according the embodiment A9 of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing deviceaccording the embodiment B1 of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a printheadaccording the embodiment B1 of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a glasssubstrate provided in the printhead according the embodiment B1 of theinvention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′ of theprinthead shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an organic ELdisplay device according the embodiment B2 of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an organic ELdisplay panel according the embodiment B2 of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a single pixelconstituting the organic EL display device according the embodiment B2of the invention;

FIG. 25 includes cross-sectional views showing a manufacturing processof a TFT circuit in a manufacturing process of the printhead accordingthe embodiment B1 of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a popular configuration of aconventional inkjet printer;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a multi-pass printing operationof a printing device; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing another multi-pass printingoperation of a printing device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now referring to the accompanying drawings, the present invention shallbe described based on various embodiments. In the embodiments A1 throughA9, the invention is embodied as a semiconductor device. Thesemiconductor device comprises an element array constituted of a matrixarray of functional elements, a memory unit for temporarily storing adata signal to be input to the element array and a driving circuit fordriving the functional element. Here, in case where an identical datasignal is successively input to a same functional element, data updatingin the element array is suspended and the stored data signal isrepeatedly used, so that power consumption can be reduced. Also, byunifying the functional element, the memory unit and the driving circuitinto a combined unit, overall dimensions of the device can be madesmaller. Further, the embodiment B1 relates to an image output device,the embodiment B2 to a display device and the embodiment B3 to anoptical switching device.

Embodiment A1

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice 50 according the embodiments A1. The semiconductor device 50comprises a semiconductor substrate 1 and an external signal processingsubstrate 8.

The semiconductor substrate 1 is provided with a memory unit 3, a datadriver 4, an element array 2, a scanning circuit 35 and a clockgenerator 36. The scanning circuit 35 controls a scanning timing in ahorizontal direction when inputting a data signal to the element array2. The clock generator 36 generates a clock signal that serves as areference for determining a scanning timing. The external signalprocessing substrate 8 is provided with a data signal providing unit 6and a controller 9.

The data driver 4 is provided with a level shift circuit 31, a datashift register circuit 32, a latch circuit 33 and a data buffer circuit34.

The level shift circuit 31 converts an amplitude of the data signal.Because of such function, an amplitude of the data signal to betransferred from the external signal processing substrate to the memoryunit 3 can be set at a relatively small value. Therefore, an appropriatedata amplitude can be set for transference from the external dataprocessing substrate 8 to the memory unit 3, or from the memory unit 3to the data driver 4. As a result unnecessary power consumption can beminimized.

The data shift register circuit 32 converts a serial signal input to thedata driver 4 into a parallel signal. The latch circuit 33 temporarilyretains the data signal and outputs it at a desired timing. The databuffer circuit 34 shapes a waveform of the data signal output from thelatch circuit and transfers it to the element array. Accordingly, thedata signal input from the memory unit 3 is sequentially transferredthrough the level shift circuit 31, data shift register circuit 32,latch circuit 33 and the data buffer circuit 34, to be output to theelement array 2.

Here, the data signal stands for a digital signal for controlling theelement array 2. Also, the data driver 4 transfers the data signaloutput from the memory unit 3, to the element array 2.

Also, the element array 2 shall be defined as a two-dimensional arrayaligned in M lines by N rows constituted of functional elements to becontrolled by the data signal input through the data bus line 5. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 1, the element array is constituted of 12lines by 8 rows. Accordingly, the data bus line 5 has 12 lines.

The functional elements include, for example, a transistor serving as aswitch, a piezoelectric element that physically deforms by applying anelectric field, and an active element such as a resistance element thatserves as a heat source that causes a temperature variation by anelectric signal, etc. Further, the functional elements also includeoptical elements such as an EL element or liquid crystal element, and anoptical switch, etc.

The controller 9 controls at least the memory unit 3, the data driver 4and the data signal providing unit 6. Meanwhile, the configuration shownin FIG. 1 is no more than an example, and while the controller 9 isdisposed in the external signal processing substrate 8, it can bedisposed on the side of the semiconductor substrate 1 as an alternativeconfiguration.

Now, a transmission route connecting the data signal providing unit 6and the memory unit 3 is denoted as a first transmitter DB1, and atransmission route connecting the memory unit 3 and the data driver 4 isdenoted as a second transmitter DB2. In this embodiment, since thesecond transmitter DB2 is provided in the semiconductor device 50, thesecond transmitter DB2 is shorter than the first transmitter DB1. Ingeneral, the longer a transmission route is, the greater transmissionloss tends to be incurred. Therefore, in this embodiment in which thedata signal is repeatedly output over a plurality of times from thememory unit 3, power consumption can be lowered since the secondtransmitter DB2 is shorter.

The data signal providing unit includes a switching circuit which is notshown, and turns off the switching circuit when successivelytransferring the data signal stored in the memory unit 3 withoutupdating to the element array 2. By this action updating of the datasignal in the memory unit 3 is suspended. This switching circuit may beinstalled on the side of the memory unit 3, however it is moreadvantageous to provide the switching circuit on the side of the datasignal providing unit 6 from a viewpoint of reduction of powerconsumption, because the signal is not input to the route connecting thememory unit 3 and the data signal providing unit 6.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration of the memory unit 3. The memory unit 3 isprovided with a memory cell array 21 composed of a plurality of memorycells aligned in a matrix form, and a memory driver 30 disposed aroundthe memory cell array. The memory cell 22 is a memory element forretaining the data signal for a certain period of time.

The memory driver 30 performs by an instruction of the controller 9 awriting operation of the data signal on the memory unit 3 from the datasignal providing unit 6, and a transferring operation of the data signalto the data driver 4 (Refer to FIG. 1). The configuration of the memoryunit 3 referred to in the subsequent embodiments is the same as thememory unit 3 according to FIG. 2.

The memory driver 30 for driving the memory cell 22 in the memory unit 3transfers the data signal retained in the memory cell 22 to the datadriver 4 in a form of a serial signal. However, the memory driver 30 mayconvert the data signal into a P-phase parallel signal beforetransferring it to the data driver 4. FIG. 3 shows a configuration ofthe scanning circuit 35. The scanning circuit 35 is further providedwith an element array shift register circuit 37 and an element arraybuffer circuit 38.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an operation of the data driver 4. Astart signal, a clock signal and the data signal are sequentially shownfrom the top. Thereunder a signal for controlling M lines of data busline 5 generated in the data shift register circuit 32 is shown, belowwhich finally a latch signal is shown.

When the start signal rises to a high level the data signal, which is aserial signal, is expanded to a M-phase parallel signal by the datashift register circuit 32 according to the clock signal. At this step,transference of the data signal to the data buffer circuit 34 istemporarily retained at the latch circuit 33, until the data signal iscompletely expanded to the M-phase. Once the expansion of the datasignal to the M-phase has been completed, the latch signal rises to ahigh level at a desired timing, and the data signal now expanded to aparallel signal is transferred to the data buffer circuit 34. Then, aprescribed horizontal scanning timing is reached, the data signal isoutput from the data buffer circuit 34 to the element array 2.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an operation of the scanning circuit35. A start signal, a clock signal and scanning signals for inputtingthe data signal to the functional elements in the first to Nth rows ofthe element array 2 are sequentially shown from the top.

When the start signal rises to a high level, the N rows of scanninglines sequentially extending from the left toward the element array 2from the scanning circuit 35 are raised high by the element array shiftregister circuit 37, according to the clock signal. To the element inthe row the scanning line whereof has become high, the data signal isoutput from the data buffer circuit 34.

Now a flow of the data signal shall be described hereunder referring tothe flow chart shown in FIG. 6. The data signal output from the datasignal providing unit 6 is input to the memory unit 3 to be retainedtherein (S10). The data signal retained in the memory unit 3 istransferred to the data driver 4 (S12).

At this stage, for example incase where a data lies in a region A on thememory cell array 21 in FIG. 2, an address signal indicating such regionis input to the memory driver 30, so that the data is sequentially readout from the memory cell in the region A, and is transferred to the datadriver 4 through the memory driver 30. Here, the address signal standsfor a signal that indicates a memory cell 22, and may indicate a singlememory cell 22 or a plurality of memory cells 22, and may further be acombination of an address signal of a first memory cell 22 and a signalindicating a number of memory cells 22.

The data signal input to the data driver 4 is first amplified at thelevel shift circuit 31 (S14). Then the data signal, which has been aserial signal, is converted into a parallel signal at the data shiftregister circuit 32 (S16). The latch circuit 33 outputs the data signalat a prescribed timing to the element array 2 thorough the data buffercircuit 34 (S18).

In the element array 2, a functional element is controlled by the datasignal transferred from the data driver 4, so that the element array 2performs a desired operation. In case of operating the element array 2by repeatedly providing the same data signal (Y of S20), the data signalproviding unit 6 suspends the transference of the data signal to thememory unit 3 (S24), and the process as from S12 is executed. In casewhere the same data is not repeatedly used (N of S20), if the datasignal providing unit 6 continues to transfer the data (N of S22) theprocess as from S10 is executed, and the data signal in the memory unit3 is updated and a new data signal is transferred to the element array2. In case of finishing the transference of the data signal (Y of S22),the entire process is finished.

According to the foregoing embodiment A1, lower power consumption andlower cost can be achieved with the semiconductor device 50, since thedata transference is not performed between the data signal providingunit 6 and the memory unit 3, which constitutes a long transmissionroute of the data signal, and an operating frequency on the side of theexternal signal processing substrate 8 can be restrained. Also, sincethe data signal input to the memory unit 3 is amplified at the levelshift circuit 31, power consumption of the data signal between the datasignal providing unit 6 and the memory unit 3 can be restrained.

In this embodiment A1 the memory cells 22 serving as a functionalelement are aligned in an M by N matrix form, or two-dimensionally,while the memory cells 22 may be aligned in a row, or one-dimensionally.In this case the scanning circuit 35 is to be omitted.

Also, the data driver 4 may include a phase expansion circuit forexpanding, for example the O-phase parallel data signal to a P-phasesignal (provided P is greater than O) as shown in FIG. 7, before orafter an amplitude of the data signal is shifted at the level shiftcircuit 31. For example, in case where the element array 2 is convertedinto 4-phase of 2×2 regions, the scanning timing in a vertical andhorizontal direction is slowed down to ½, in other words the operatingfrequency becomes ½. Consequently, further cost reduction is achieved.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the memory unit 3in case where the data signal is output in a form of a parallel signal.In this case the memory unit 3 is provided with a first memory driver 41having the same function as that of the memory driver 30 shown in FIG. 2and a second memory driver 42 capable of performing S/P conversion. Inaddition, under such arrangement generally the data shift register 32 isomitted in the data driver 4.

Further, in the embodiment A1 the signal to be input to the elementarray 2 is a digital signal, while the signal can also be an analogsignal for example in FIG. 9 in which a voltage V varies with a lapse oftime t. In this case it is preferable to install a selection circuit forselecting the analog signal with the data signal on the way between thedata shift register circuit 32 and the latch circuit 33. The selectioncircuit is also applicable to a case where a functional elementconstituting the element array 2, i.e. the memory cell 22 is controlledby the analog signal.

Embodiment A2

The constitution of the semiconductor according to this embodiment isidentical to that of the embodiment A1, i.e. to the configuration shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. Therefore description on the constitution shall beomitted. Difference from the embodiment A1 lies in driving method, whichshall be described hereunder.

Now, the memory unit 3 according to this embodiment A2 simultaneouslyperforms a writing operation of causing a memory cell 22 to memorize andretain a data signal output from the data signal providing unit 6, and areading-out operation of transferring a data signal retained by anothermemory cell 22 than the above memory cell 22 to the data driver 4.

A writing operation of the data signal on the element array 2 isperformed each time the data signal is read out from the memory unit 3and of transferred to the element array 2 through the data driver 4. Atthis point, the writing operation of the data signal is also executed onthe memory unit 3, by the transference of the data signal from the datasignal providing unit 6 to the memory unit 3. Accordingly, once amulti-pass printing operation has been completed, since the memory unit3 retains the data signal necessary for the next step i.e. the datasignal to be transferred from the memory unit 3 to the data driver 4,the reading-out operation of the data signal, i.e. transference of thedata signal to the element array 2 through the data driver 4 can beimmediately performed.

Also, since the data signal providing unit 6 is capable of transferringa data signal during the operation of the element array 2, a drivingfrequency during the data transference can be set relatively low.Therefore since the data signal providing unit 6 is not required toperform a high-speed operation, a low-cost semiconductor device can beattained. Further, since the driving frequency of the data signalproviding unit 6 can be set relatively low, power consumption of theentire device can be lowered.

Embodiment A3

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the semiconductordevice 50 according the embodiments A3. A distinctive aspect from thesemiconductor device 50 according to the embodiments A1 and A2 is thatthe data signal providing unit 6 in the external signal processingsubstrate 8 is substituted with a first data signal providing unit 12and a second data signal providing unit 13. Here, the data signalproviding unit 6 of the embodiment A1 outputs a digital signal. Bycontrast in this embodiment A3, the first data signal providing unit 12outputs a first data signal that is a digital signal, while the seconddata signal providing unit 13 outputs a second data signal that is ananalog signal. Also, the data driver 4 is provided with the data shiftregister circuit 32, the latch circuit 33, the selection circuit 43 andthe data buffer circuit 34.

Now, the first data signal output from the first data signal providingunit 12 is a digital signal by which to select an analog signal to beprovided to the element array 2. Also, the second data signal outputfrom the second data signal providing unit 13 is a plurality of types ofanalog signals to be provided to the element array 2. Such second datasignals, which are different for each functional element constitutingthe element array 2, respectively have a different waveform, which maybe for example a constant voltage such as a gradation voltage for an LCDdevice or an analog waveform as shown in FIG. 9. The selection circuit43 selects one or more analog signals designated by the first datasignal, i.e. the second data signal. In case where a plurality of analogsignals are designated, the selection circuit 43 merges the waveform ofthe selected analog signals and outputs to the element array 2 throughthe data buffer circuit 34.

Here, the memory unit 3 has the same configuration as that shown in FIG.2 according to the embodiment A1. Also, the data driver 4 determines anelectric signal to be output to the element array 2 based on the firstdata signal output from the memory unit 3 and the second data signaloutput from the second data signal providing unit 13, and transfers theelectric signal to the element array 2. Further, the element array 2 isconstituted of functional elements to be controlled by the electricsignal input through the data bus line 5, aligned for example in amatrix form. Also the controller 9 serves to control the memory unit 3and the data driver 4. Here, FIG. 10 is merely a single example ofpossible configurations, and the controller 9 for example, which isinstalled in the external signal processing substrate 8 in FIG. 10, canbe installed on the side of the semiconductor substrate 1.

Consequently, according to the embodiment A3, a distinction from theembodiments A1 and A2 is that at least one analog signal is selected outof a plurality of analog signals according to the first data signal inthe selection circuit 43, and is transferred to the element array 2,instead of transferring the data signal read out from the memory unit 3to the element array 2.

The semiconductor device 50 according to the embodiment A3 providessimilar advantage to that of the embodiments A1 and A2 that sincetransference of the data signal from the first data signal providingunit 12 to the memory unit 3 is suspended when an identical data issuccessively input to the element array 2 over a plurality of times,reduction of power consumption is expected during an operation of thesemiconductor device 50. Also, an analog signal can be input to theelement array 2.

Embodiment A4

The constitution of the semiconductor according to this embodiment isidentical to that of the embodiment A3, i.e. to the configuration shownin FIG. 10. Since difference from the embodiment A3 lies in drivingmethod, only the driving method of the semiconductor device shall bedescribed hereunder, omitting description of the constitution.

Here, the memory unit 3 according to this embodiment A4 is capable ofsimultaneously performing a writing operation of causing a memoryelement to memorize and retain a data signal output from the first datasignal providing unit 12, and a reading out operation of transferring adata signal retained by another memory element than the above memoryelement to the data driver 4.

The driving method according to this embodiment is repetition of thesteps of reading out the data signal from the memory unit 3,transferring the data signal to the data driver 4, and further to theelement array 2. During such process, the controller 9 is performing thewriting operation by transferring the data signal from the first datasignal providing unit 12 to the memory unit 3. Accordingly, once amulti-pass printing operation has been completed, the memory unit 3retains a data signal necessary for the next step, i.e. the data signalto be transferred to the data driver 4, therefore the data driver 4 canimmediately start reading out the data signal.

Also, the first data signal providing unit 12 can transfer the datasignal during the operation of a frame, therefore a driving frequencyfor the data transference can be set relatively low. Therefore since thefirst data signal providing unit 12 is not required to perform ahigh-speed operation, a low-cost semiconductor device can be attained.Further, since the driving frequency can be set relatively low, powerconsumption of the entire device can be lowered.

Embodiment A5

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductordevice 50 according the embodiments A5. Hereafter, distinctive featureof this embodiment shall be described, omitting the description oncomponents that have the same functions as those in the embodiments A1through A4 as the case may be. In the embodiment A5, the function of theselection circuit 43, which serves for selecting an analog signal in theembodiment A4, is granted to a second data driver 15 in the elementarray 2. Accordingly, the data driver 4 in the embodiment A4 from whichthe selection circuit 43 has been removed shall be referred to as afirst data driver 14.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the element array2 and the second data driver 15. The second data driver 15 distributesan analog signal line extending from the second data signal providingunit 13 for providing the second data signal to a selector 44 disposedon each row for the functional element 46 provided in the element array2. In the drawing there are four analog signal lines, therefore theanalog signal has four waveforms.

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of the selector 44. The selector 44 isprovided with a merging unit 45 for selecting and merging a desiredsignal from the four analog signal lines and transferring the mergedsignal to the functional element 46. The merging unit 45 is providedwith a transistor controlled by a signal input from the first datadriver 14 for serving as a switch, disposed on the respective analoglines.

Here, the first data signal is a digital signal by which to select ananalog signal to be provided to the element array 2. Also, the seconddata signal includes analog signals having a plurality of types ofwaveforms to be provided to the element array 2. Also, the memory unit 3includes at least memory elements for retaining the digital signal for acertain period and a driving circuit for driving such memory elements.Further, the first data driver 14 transfers the first data signal outputfrom the memory unit 3 to the element array 2, and the second datadriver 15 transfers the second data signal output from the second dataprovider 13 to the element array 2.

Also, to the element array 2, at least one data signal out of aplurality of electric signals output from the first data driver 14, i.e.a plurality of first data signals, is input through the data bus line 5.

Also, the controller 9 controls the memory unit 3 and the first datadriver 14. Here, FIG. 11 is merely a single example of possibleconfigurations of the semiconductor device 50, and the controller 9 forexample, which is installed in the external signal processing substrate8 in FIG. 11, can be installed on the side of the semiconductorsubstrate 1.

Operation of the semiconductor device 50 constituted as above shall nowbe described hereunder. The first data signal output from the first datasignal providing unit 12 is input to the memory unit 3 and retainedtherein. The data signal retained in the memory unit 3 is transferred tothe first data driver 14.

The data signal transferred to the first data driver 14 is convertedinto a parallel signal at the data shift register circuit 32, andtransferred from the latch circuit 33 at a desired timing to the elementarray 2 through the data buffer circuit 34.

Meanwhile, the second data signal, which is a plurality of analogsignals output from the second data signal providing unit 13 istransferred to the second data driver 15. Then the second data signal isalso input to the element array 2, by the second data driver 15. In theelement array 2, at least one analog signal is selected by the firstdata signal out of the plurality of analog signals, so that the elementarray 2 performs a desired operation according to the selected analogsignal.

Consequently, according to this embodiment, a distinction from theembodiments A1 and A2 is that at least one analog signal is selected outof a plurality of analog signals according to the first data signal inthe element array 2 so that the element array 2 performs a desiredoperation, instead of transferring the data signal read out from thememory unit 3 to the element array 2.

According to this embodiment A5, similar advantage to that achieved bythe embodiments A1 through A4 can be attained. Further, an analog signalcan be input to the element array 2.

Embodiment A6

The constitution of the semiconductor according to this embodiment isidentical to that of the embodiment A5, i.e. to the configuration shownin FIG. 11. Since difference from the semiconductor device described asthe embodiment A5 lies in driving method, only the driving methodaccording to this embodiment shall be described hereunder. However,different aspects between the driving method of the embodiment A5 andthat of this embodiment are the same as between the embodiments A1 andA2, and between the embodiments A3 and A4.

Here, the memory unit 3 according to this embodiment is capable ofsimultaneously performs a writing operation of causing a memory cell 22to memorize and retain a data signal output from the first data signalproviding unit 12, and a reading out operation of transferring a datasignal retained by another memory cell 22 than the above memory cell 22to the second data driver 15.

The driving method according to this embodiment is repetition of thesteps of reading out the data signal from the memory unit 3,transferring the data signal to the first data driver 14, and further tothe element array 2. During such process, the first data signalproviding unit 12 is transferring the data signal to the memory unit 3and the memory unit 3 is performing the writing operation. Accordingly,once a multi-pass printing operation has been completed, the memory unit3 retains a data signal necessary for the next step, i.e. the datasignal to be transferred to the data driver 4, therefore the data driver4 can immediately start reading out the data signal.

Accordingly, once the operation has been completed, the memory unit 3retains a data signal required for the next step, therefore the firstdata driver 14 can immediately start reading out the data signal.

Also, the first data signal providing unit 12 can transfer the datasignal during the operation, therefore a driving frequency for the datatransference can be set relatively low. Therefore since the first datasignal providing unit 12 is not required to perform a high-speedoperation, a low-cost semiconductor device can be attained. Further,since the driving frequency can be set relatively low, power consumptionof the entire device can be lowered.

Embodiment A7

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the semiconductordevice 50 according the embodiment A7. The semiconductor device 50 isbasically constituted of two substrates, namely the semiconductorsubstrate 1 and the external signal processing substrate 8. Thesemiconductor substrate 1 is provided with a switching circuit 20, thememory unit 3, the data driver 4, the element array 2, the scanningcircuit 35 and the clock generator 36. The external signal processingsubstrate 8 is provided with the data signal providing unit 6 and thecontroller 9. Therefore, the semiconductor device 50 according to thisembodiment has the same constitution as the embodiments A1 and A2, butwith an addition of the switching circuit 20. All other components areidentical to those shown in FIG. 1, therefore description thereof shallbe omitted.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration of the switching circuit 20. The switchingcircuit 20, provided with a first switch SW1 and a second switch SW2, iscontrolled by the controller 9 so as to determine to which of the memoryunit 3 or the level shift circuit 31 in the data driver 4 to transferthe data signal output from the data signal providing unit 6. Theswitching circuit 20 may be constituted in any way as long as it canperform the mentioned function. In case where the data signal outputfrom the data signal providing unit 6 is identical to the one to beeventually used repeatedly in the element array 2, the data signal istransferred to the memory unit 3, while otherwise the data signal isdirectly transferred to the data driver 4.

Also, the controller 9 controls the memory unit 3, the data driver 6 andthe switching circuit 20. Here, FIG. 14 is merely a single example ofpossible configurations, and the controller 9 for example, which isinstalled in the external signal processing substrate 8 in FIG. 14, canbe installed on the side of the semiconductor substrate 1.

Consequently, referring to the semiconductor device 50 according to thisembodiment, the data signal can be directly transferred to the datadriver 4 without passing through the memory unit 3 because of theoperation of the switching circuit 20, with respect to a region wherethe data signal retained in the memory unit 3 is not repeatedly readout. Therefore power consumption of the semiconductor device 50 can belowered by suspending the operation of the memory unit 3.

Embodiment A8

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the semiconductordevice 50 according the embodiment A8. A distinctive feature of thesemiconductor device 50 according to this embodiment is the addition ofthe switching circuit 20, to the semiconductor device 50 according tothe embodiment A3 or A4.

The semiconductor device 50 comprises the semiconductor substrate 1 andthe external signal processing substrate 8. The semiconductor substrate1 is provided with a switching circuit 20, the memory unit 3, the datadriver 4, the element array 2, the scanning circuit 35 and the clockgenerator 36. The external signal processing substrate 8 is providedwith the controller 9, the first data signal providing unit 12 and thesecond data signal providing unit 13.

The configuration of the switching circuit 20 is identical to FIG. 15.However, while the second switch SW2 is connected with the level shiftcircuit 31 in the embodiment A7, the second switch SW2 is connected withthe data shift register circuit 32 in this embodiment. The first switchSW1 and the second switch SW2 are controlled by the controller 9, insuch a manner that when the first switch SW1 is turned on the datasignal is provided to the memory unit 3, and when the second switch SW2is turned on the data signal is provided to the data driver 4. In otherwords, the switching circuit 20 determines to which of the memory unit 3or the data shift register circuit 32 in the data driver 4 to transferthe data signal output from the first data signal providing unit 12.Also, the controller 9 controls the first data signal providing unit 12,the memory unit 3, the data driver 4 and the switching circuit 20. Here,FIG. 16 is merely a single example of possible configurations, and thecontroller 9 for example, which is installed in the external signalprocessing substrate 8 in FIG. 16, can be installed on the side of thesemiconductor substrate 1.

Referring to the semiconductor device 50 according to this embodiment,the data signal to be input to the element array 2 can be directlytransferred to the data driver 4 without passing through the memory unit3 because of the operation of the switching circuit 20, during a periodin which the data signal retained in the memory unit 3 is not repeatedlyread out. Therefore the memory unit 3 can, beyond just being exemptedfrom a high-speed operation, suspend an entire operation.

Embodiment A9

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the semiconductordevice 50 according the embodiment A9. A distinctive feature of thesemiconductor device 50 according to this embodiment is the addition ofthe switching circuit 20, to the semiconductor device 50 according tothe embodiment A5 or A6.

The semiconductor device 50 comprises the semiconductor substrate 1 andthe external signal processing substrate 8. The semiconductor substrate1 is provided with a switching circuit 20, the memory unit 3, the firstdata driver 14, the second data driver 15, the element array 2, thescanning circuit 35 and the clock generator 36. The external signalprocessing substrate 8 is provided with the controller 9, the first datasignal providing unit 12 and the second data signal providing unit 13.

Here, the switching circuit 20 determines to which of the memory unit 3or the data shift register circuit 32 in the first data driver 14 totransfer the data signal output from the first data signal providingunit 12. Also, the controller 9 controls the memory unit 3, the firstdata driver 14, the switching circuit 20 and the first data signalproviding unit 12. Here, FIG. 17 is merely a single example of possibleconfigurations, and the controller 9 for example, which is installed inthe external signal processing substrate 8 in FIG. 17, can be installedon the side of the semiconductor substrate 1.

Referring to the semiconductor device 50 according to this embodiment,the data signal to be input to the element array 2 can be directlytransferred to the data driver 4 without passing through the memory unit3 because of the operation of the switching circuit 20, during a periodin which the data signal retained in the memory unit 3 is not repeatedlyread out. Therefore the memory unit 3 can suspend an entire operation,beyond just being exempted from a high-speed operation.

Embodiment B1

This embodiment relates to an image output device, particularly to aprinting device. The printing device has a similar constitution to thatof the embodiments A1 through A9, therefore only distinctive featureshall be described hereunder, partly omitting the description on otheraspects. Also, in a printing device popularly called as thermal inkjettype, a digital signal is input to a thermal resistance elementcorresponding to the element array 2. On the other hand, in a printingdevice of a so-called piezoelectric inkjet type, an analog signal isinput to an piezoelectric element corresponding to the element array 2.

Therefore, it is the thermal inkjet type printing device that theconfiguration of the semiconductor device shown in the embodiments A1and A2 is to be applied to, while it is the piezoelectric inkjet typeprinting device that the configuration of the semiconductor device shownin the embodiments A3 through A9 is to be applied to. Herein, theapplication of the configuration of the semiconductor device 50according to the embodiment A3 to the piezoelectric inkjet type printershall be described. In addition, constitutions wherein the semiconductordevice 50 according to any of the other embodiments A1, A2 and A4through A9 is applied to a printing device shall also be effectivelyincluded in the invention.

As described earlier, there has been a growing demand in the field ofinkjet printer for a higher speed printing performance and higher printquality. For such purpose it is necessary to increase an operationfrequency of a printhead, however it often incurs an increase of powerconsumption, therefore reduction of power consumption is also a problemto solve as in the case of the semiconductor device 50. Also, forincreasing a printing speed it is necessary to increase a travelingspeed of the printhead. Now, micronization of the printhead isadvantageous since it makes it easier to design a constitution of aprinthead driving mechanism that can stand a higher speed driving.Further, higher degree of freedom is granted in designing a printingdevice.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing device60 to which the constitution of the semiconductor device 50 accordingthe embodiment A3 is applied. The semiconductor substrate 1 correspondsto a printhead 70, and the external signal processing substrate 8 to amain body device 72. Also, the element array 2 corresponds to aninjector 74. The printing device 60 performs piezoelectric inkjetprinting, since an analog signal is input to the injector 74 asmentioned earlier. In this example, the injector 74 is provided withpiezoelectric elements aligned in a matrix form.

Also, FIG. 19 shows a configuration of the printhead 70. FIG. 20 shows aconfiguration of a glass substrate 210 provided in the printhead 70. AndFIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A′ of theprinthead shown in FIG. 19.

The printhead 70 is provided with an injection unit 80, a piezoelectricelement 75 and a glass substrate 210. However the piezoelectric element75 is interleaved between the injection unit 80 and the glass substrateand is therefore omitted in FIG. 19. Also, the injection unit 80comprises a plate-shape component 81 (hereinafter referred to as “nozzleplate”) having a number of small perforations 78 serving as a nozzle, apressure chamber structure member 82 and a vibrating plate 83. On asurface of the glass substrate 210 where the piezoelectric element 75for activating the vibrating plate 83 is packaged, a TFT circuit 77 forproviding a driving electric signal to the piezoelectric element 75 isformed in a unified manner. Further, the memory unit 3, the data driver4, the scanning circuit 35 and the clock generator 36 are provided inthe TFT circuit 77.

Inside the frame constituting the pressure chamber structure member 82 aplurality of walls are installed with a predetermined gap between eachother, forming a plurality of pressure chambers 256 defined by twoconfronting walls, the nozzle plate 81 and the vibrating plate 83.

Also, inside the pressure chamber structure member 82 an ink pool 257 isprovided, from which ink is supplied to the pressure chamber through anink outlet 262.

A plurality of the piezoelectric elements 75 is disposed on thevibrating plate 83 so as to correspond to the respective pressurechambers 256 through a connector 77A, and the small holes 78 are alsoperforated at a plurality of positions on the nozzle plate 81 so as tocorrespond to the respective pressure chambers 256.

However, in case where the printing device 60 is of a thermal inkjettype, the element array is constituted of a thermal resistance element,so that heat produced by the thermal resistance element generates abubble, which causes the injection of the ink.

The printing device 60 constituted as above operates as describedhereunder. The first data signal output from the first data signalproviding unit 12 is input to the memory unit and retained therein. Thedata signal retained in the memory unit 3 is transferred to the datadriver 4.

The data signal transferred to the data driver 4 is converted into aparallel signal at the data shift register circuit 32, and transferredfrom the latch circuit 33 at a desired timing to the selection circuit43.

Meanwhile, the second data signal output from the second data signalproviding unit 13 is transferred to the selection circuit 43 in the datadriver 4. Then the second data signal designated by the first datasignal in the selection circuit 43 is transferred to the element array 2through the data buffer circuit 34. In the element array 2, thepiezoelectric element 75 performs a desired operation according to thesecond data signal.

In case where multi-pass printing is to be performed, the controller 9suspends the transference of the data signal from the first data signalproviding unit 12 to the memory unit 3, and the data signal retained inthe memory unit is not updated. The first data signal is read out fromthe memory unit 3 and is transferred to the selection circuit 43, whereat least one second data signal is selected according to the first datasignal out of the plurality of second data signals output from thememory unit 3, and then the selected second data signal is transferredto the element array 2. In this way the multi-pass printing isperformed.

Embodiment B2

As the embodiment B2, the semiconductor device 50 according to theembodiments A1 and A2 is applied to a display device. An active matrixtype organic EL display device is herein adopted as an example. Thisdisplay device comprises TFT circuits disposed in a matrix form, eachprovided with an organic EL element only distinctive feature shall bedescribed hereunder, omitting the description on other aspects as thecase may be. In addition, constitutions wherein the semiconductor device50 according to any of the other embodiments A3 through A9 is applied toa display device shall also be effectively included in the invention.

FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of anorganic EL display device 200. The organic display device 200 comprisesthe external signal processing substrate and the glass substrate 210.The glass substrate 210 corresponds to the semiconductor substrate 1 ofthe semiconductor device 50 according to the embodiments A1 through A9.In this embodiment, a DAC circuit 143 is provided between the data shiftregister circuit 32 and the latch circuit 33 in the constitution of thedata driver 4 included in the semiconductor device 50 of FIG. 1, so thatan analog signal is output to an organic EL display panel 220. In otherwords, the element array 2 is substituted with the organic EL panel 220.

FIG. 23 shows a configuration of the organic EL display panel 220. Onthe organic EL display panel 220, pixel circuits 230 are disposed inregions aligned in an M×N matrix form defined by N lines of scanninglines including a first scanning line G1 up to an Nth scanning line Gn,each extending from the scanning circuit 35, and by M lines of datalines including a first data line DL1 up to an Mth data line DLm, eachextending from the data buffer circuit 34.

FIG. 24 is shows a typical configuration of one of the pixel circuits230 disposed in a region defined by a second scanning line G2 and athird scanning line G3, and a second data line DL2 and a third data lineDL3.

The pixel circuit 230 is provided with a selective transistor Tr1 thatis an n-channel TFT, a driving transistor Tr2 that is a p-channel TFTand an organic EL element OLED. The selective transistor Tr1 serves as aswitching circuit. The driving transistor Tr2 serves as a drivingcircuit for the organic EL element OLED.

The selective transistor Tr1 is connected in series between the seconddata line DL2 and a gate electrode of the driving transistor Tr2. Also,a gate electrode of the selective transistor Tr1 is connected to thesecond scanning line G2. A source electrode of the driving transistorTr2 is connected to a source potential PVdd, and a drain electrode to aground potential. Also, a holding capacitor C is provided between thedriving transistor Tr2, the gate electrode and the source electrode.

When the second scanning line G2 is selected and rises to a high level,the selective transistor Tr1 is turned on so that the data signal inputto the second data line DL2 is input to the gate electrode of thedriving transistor Tr2. The driving transistor Tr2 supplies a currentfed from the source potential PVdd according to the data signal retainedin the gate electrode and the holding capacitor C, and thereby theorganic EL element OLED emits desired light according to the suppliedcurrent.

Manufacturing Process

Referring to FIG. 25, manufacturing process of the TFT on the glasssubstrate 210 in the organic EL display device 200 shall be described.Here, main constituent of the printhead 70 are formed on the glasssubstrate. FIG. 25 shows a manufacturing process of a driving circuitand a memory unit utilizing polysilicon on the glass substrate.

Firstly, after forming a silicon oxide layer 211 on the glass substrate210, amorphous silicon 212 is grown. And the amorphous silicon isannealed with an exima laser and turned to polysilicon (FIG. 25( a)).

Then a silicon oxide layer 213 of approx. 10 nm in thickness is grown,and after patterning (FIG. 25( b)) photoresist 214 is applied andpatterning is performed (masking a p-channel region), and an n-channelsource/drain region is formed through doping of phosphor ion (FIG. 25(c)).

Further, after growing a silicon oxide layer 215 of approx. 90 nm inthickness that serves as a gate dielectric layer, microcrystal silicon(μ-c-Si) 216 and tungsten silicide (Wsi) 217 are grown for forming agate electrode, and patterned into a gate shape (FIG. 25( d)).

The photoresist 218 is applied and patterned (masking an n-channelregion) and a p-channel source/drain region is formed through doping ofboron (FIG. 25 (e)).

After successively growing a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitridelayer 219 a contact hole is opened (FIG. 25 (f)), and aluminum and titan223 are deposited by sputtering and then patterning is performed (FIG.25 (g)). By this patterning, source/drain electrodes of CMOS in aperipheral circuit, data line wiring for connection with a switch TFTdrain that serves as a driving switch of the piezoelectric element, acontact with a pixel electrode, etc. are formed.

Following the above, a memory cell 221 of a dielectric layer is formedand a contact hole is opened, then a transparent electrode ITO (indiumtin oxide) 222 is formed, which is to serve as the pixel electrode, andpatterning is performed (FIG. 25 (h)).

Through the above process the switch TFT of a planar structure is built,and a TFT array is formed.

In the peripheral circuit region, an n-channel TFT similar to the switchTFT and also a p-channel TFT are to be built, the latter of which isformed through a substantially same process to that of the n-channelTFT, but turned into a p-channel TFT by the boron doping.

In FIG. 25 (h), the n-channel TFT in the peripheral circuit, theP-channel TFT in the peripheral circuit, the switch TFT (n-channel TFT),the holding capacitor and the pixel electrode are sequentiallyillustrated from the left.

In this embodiment an exima laser is employed for forming thepolysilicon layer, while other types of lasers such as a successivelyoscillating CW laser may be employed, or solid phase growth by heattreatment may be performed.

As described above, the TFT circuit 77 constituted of polysilicon isformed on the glass substrate 210 through the process shown in FIG. 25.

Embodiment B3

In this embodiment, the semiconductor device according to theembodiments A1 through A9 is applied to an optical switch. Therefore,the element array 2, or more specifically the functional elementprovided in the element array 2 referred to in the embodiments A1through A9 drives the optical switch in this embodiment.

The optical switch is broadly divided into a mechanical optical switchhaving a movable unit in its driving mechanism and an electronic opticalswitch based on a photoelectric effect. Manufacturing cost of anelectronic optical switch is generally higher than that of a mechanicalswitch, therefore the mechanical optical switch is more popularlyutilized. The mechanical optical switch, while having an advantage oflower loss and lower cross talk, is slow in response since response ofthe movable unit is controlled by mechanical on/off signals. Therefore,by applying the invention to a device for driving an optical switch,performance level of the entire device including the optical switch isupgraded, without making any change with the optical switch itself.

The invention has been described referring to some embodiments. It is tobe understood that those embodiments are only exemplifying and that itis apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications canbe made to the respective constituents or processing steps orcombinations thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

The constitutions described in the foregoing embodiments can beaccomplished with a CPU, a memory unit or other LSI used in a popularlyavailable computer in the aspect of hardware, and by a program loaded ona memory unit in the aspect of software, and accordingly the foregoingembodiments are providing functional blocks that can be achieved by acombination of such elements. Therefore it is apparent to those skilledin the art that these functional blocks can be achieved in various formsby hardware only or software only, or by a combination thereof.

As described above, according to the invention semiconductor device oflower power consumption is attained. Also, from another viewpoint alow-cost, high-speed semiconductor device is achieved. From stillanother viewpoint, an image output device of lower power consumption isachieved. Further, cost increase is restrained when performance level ofan image output device is upgraded.

1. An image output device provided with an injector for firing a dropletfor printing, comprising: a memory unit for temporarily storing a datasignal to be provided to said injector; a driving unit for reading outsaid data signal stored in said memory unit, generating a control signalfor controlling said injector, on the basis of said data signal read outfrom said memory unit and driving said injector based on said controlsignal; and a data-update control unit for causing a data signalproviding unit to suspend outputting said data signal to said memoryunit in response to an identical control signal being successivelyprovided to said injector, so that said memory unit does not update saiddata signal stored therein; wherein said data signal providing unitsuspends outputting said data signal to said memory unit by turning offa circuit of said data signal providing unit.
 2. The image output deviceas set forth in claim 1, wherein said driving unit and said memory unitmay constitute a combined unit.
 3. The image output device as set forthin claim 1, wherein said driving unit and said memory unit constitute acombined unit.
 4. The image output device as set forth in claim 1,further comprising: a first signal transferring unit for transferringsaid data signal to said memory unit from a host device that providessaid data signal to the image output device; a second signaltransferring unit for transferring said data signal from said memoryunit to said driving unit; wherein said second signal transferring unitis shorter than said first transferring unit.
 5. The image output deviceas set forth in claim 1, further comprising a level converter forconverting an amplitude of said data signal input into the image outputdevice to a desired amplitude.
 6. The image output device as set forthin claim 1, to which said data signal is to be input in a form of aserial signal, further comprising: an S/P converter for converting saidinput serial data signal into a parallel signal.
 7. The image outputdevice as set forth in claim 6, further comprising a phase expandingunit for receiving said parallel signal as an O-phase signal andconverting the received O-phase parallel signal into a P-phase parallelsignal, wherein O and P are natural numbers and P is greater than O. 8.The image output device as set forth in claim 7, wherein at least one ofsaid driving unit, said first signal transferring unit, said memory unitand said second signal transferring unit is constituted of a thin filmtransistor.
 9. The image output device as set forth in claim 8, whereina semiconductor layer of said thin film transistor is constituted ofpolycrystalline silicon.
 10. An image output device provided with aninjector for firing a droplet for printing, comprising: a memory unitfor temporarily storing a data signal for selecting a driving waveformto be provided to said injector; a driving unit for reading out saiddata signal stored in said memory unit, selecting said driving waveformfrom a plurality of driving waveforms input from an outside source basedon said data signal read out from said memory unit and driving saidinjector based on said selected driving waveform; and a data-updatecontrol unit for causing a data signal providing unit to suspendoutputting said data signal to said memory unit in response to a samedriving waveform being successively provided to said injector, so thatsaid memory unit does not update said data signal stored therein;wherein said data signal providing unit suspends outputting said datasignal to said memory unit by turning off a circuit of said data signalproviding unit.
 11. The image output device as set forth in claim 10,wherein said driving unit and said memory unit may constitute a combinedunit.
 12. The image output device as set forth in claim 10, wherein saiddriving unit and said memory unit constitute a combined unit.
 13. Theimage output device as set forth in claim 10, further comprising: afirst signal transferring unit for transferring said data signal to saidmemory unit from a host device that provides said data signal to theimage output device; a second signal transferring unit for transferringsaid data signal from said memory unit to said driving unit; whereinsaid second signal transferring unit is shorter than said firsttransferring unit.
 14. The image output device as set forth in claim 10,further comprising a level converter for converting an amplitude of saiddata signal input into the image output device to a desired amplitude.15. The image output device as set forth in claim 10, to which said datasignal is to be input in a form of a serial signal, further comprising:an S/P converter for converting said input serial data signal into aparallel signal.
 16. The image output device as set forth in claim 15,further comprising a phase expanding unit for receiving said parallelsignal as an O-phase signal and converting the received O-phase parallelsignal into a P-phase parallel signal, wherein O and P are naturalnumbers and P is greater than O.
 17. The image output device as setforth in claim 16, wherein at least one of said driving unit, said firstsignal transferring unit, said memory unit and said second signaltransferring unit is constituted of a thin film transistor.
 18. Theimage output device as set forth in claim 17, wherein a semiconductorlayer of said thin film transistor is constituted of polycrystallinesilicon.
 19. An image output device provided with an injector for firinga droplet for printing, comprising: a memory unit for temporarilystoring a data signal for selecting a driving waveform to be provided tosaid injector; a first driving unit for reading out said data signalstored in said memory unit, and outputting to said injector a signal forselecting, based on said data signal read out from said memory unit,said driving waveform from a plurality of driving waveforms input froman outside source; a second driving unit for providing said selecteddriving waveform to said injector; and a data-update control unit forcausing a data signal providing unit to suspend outputting said datasignal to said memory unit in response to an identical driving waveformbeing successively provided to said injector, so that said memory unitdoes not update said data signal stored therein; wherein said datasignal providing unit suspends outputting said data signal to saidmemory unit by turning off a circuit of said data signal providing unit.20. The image output device as set forth in claim 19, wherein saiddriving unit and said memory unit may constitute a combined unit. 21.The image output device as set forth in claim 19, wherein said drivingunit and said memory unit constitute a combined unit.
 22. The imageoutput device as set forth in claim 19, further comprising: a firstsignal transferring unit for transferring said data signal to saidmemory unit from a host device that provides said data signal to theimage output device; a second signal transferring unit for transferringsaid data signal from said memory unit to said driving unit; whereinsaid second signal transferring unit is shorter than said firsttransferring unit.
 23. The image output device as set forth in claim 19,further comprising a level converter for converting an amplitude of saiddata signal input into the image output device to a desired amplitude.24. The image output device as set forth in claim 19, to which said datasignal is to be input in a form of a serial signal, further comprising:an S/P converter for converting said input serial data signal into aparallel signal.
 25. The image output device as set forth in claim 24,further comprising a phase expanding unit for receiving said parallelsignal as an O-phase signal and converting the received O-phase parallelsignal into a P-phase parallel signal, wherein O and P are naturalnumbers and P is greater than O.
 26. The image output device as setforth in claim 24, wherein at least one of said driving unit, said firstsignal transferring unit, said memory unit and said second signaltransferring unit is constituted of a thin film transistor.
 27. Theimage output device as set forth in claim 26, wherein a semiconductorlayer of said thin film transistor is constituted of polycrystallinesilicon.